What should be done first, BBL or Tummy Tuck?

Question

I have been on many consultations, I want a BBL but know I have too much loose skin so I need a Tummy Tuck to get my desired results (flat tummy, small waist and big juicy round perfect booty) I have already chosen my Dr who will be doing my TT. But have another Dr in mind for my BBL. Should I feel bad for not getting my BBL with my Dr who will do my TT,? But the other Dr's photos and patients reviews are so good! Its exactly the butt I want. I am 5'7 150 lbs.

Eugene Kim, MD · Answer

I recommend to my patients that they get the BBL first so liposuction can be done in the abdominal area as well as the flanks and back.  There may be loose skin afterwards but this will be addressed at the time of the tummy tuck.  I don't like to do these two procedures at the same time because the recovery positions are different for each procedure.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Based on your complaints you will need a BBL first then after you'll get a tummy tuck. But first of all you need to lose some more kilos. After you lose kilos, you should meeting with a Board Certified Surgeon and planning the process. After planning, everything will be better. I wish you all the best.

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, if you are eligible for surgery and are completelly healthy, I would choose to combine liposuction and Tummy Tuck in a single surgery. In fact, when performing a Tummy Tuck I always include liposuction of the back, sides, waist, flanks, armpits and abdomen (with BBL as an optional procedure). Combining both procedures in a single surgery will prevent the risks associated with every surgery, going under anesthesia twice in a short period of time and it will also be more cost effective.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I would definitely get the tummy tuck first.  Your first surgeon may not want to do the BBL because he or she doesn't believe it's a worthwhile procedure, an opinion shared by many plastic surgeons, including myself.  The results are often temporary and the procedure has some serious risks associated with it.  Save the money in my opinion.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your height and weight, your BMI is 23. You do not have a lot of fat to be thrown away and get a "big juicy round perfect booty". Contrary to the other recommendations, I would suggest you do the body sculpting first for the smallest waist and big round butt and do the abdominoplasty 4-6 months later. This way, the whole abdomen can be sculpted and maximum amount of fat liposuctioned. If a tummy tuck is done first, the amount of fat removed is more limited due to the risk of loosing skin or have necrosis secondary to poor blood supply. Another advantage is the shorter abdominoplasty incision that you will need due to the significant skin shrinkage. I use the VASER Hi Def Lipo technique, the skin tightening might not be true with other techniques.I would suggest you go with the surgeon who is best at body sculpting. Good luck in your search.

Ron Soltero, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Patient:  you should choose the doctor you judge appropiately, always making sure he/she is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and a FACS fellow and ASAPS and ASPS member as well to have extra layers of security. In my practice I perform TT & BBLs at the same time, it saves the patients time and money.
Wishing you the best!

Ron Soltero MD FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
ASAPS and ASPS Member

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear vanique84,I guess that it depends on surgeon's preferences. You can get a tummy tuck first and later once you are healed you can get a fat transfer to your buttocks. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello vanique84,
It’s a pleasure to answer your questions! I would recommend you getting an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) done first, and a VASER 4D Liposuction combined with fat grafting to the buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), afterwards. That would be your best option to primarily eliminate the excess of sagging skin, fat around your stomach, and stretch marks. Three to six months after you’ve fully recover from abdominoplasty, you would be able to get the VASER Liposuction procedure to remove excess fat from particular areas such as abs, arms, back, and flanks, and transfer it to your buttocks and hips, for an hour-glass silhouette. Your current Body Mass Index (BMI) estimate of 23.5 is between the ideal range for a successful tummy tuck and BBL procedure. Consult with an experienced plastic surgeon about your specific needs and expectations. Finding a surgeon you can trust can significantly improve your chances for success with abdominoplasty and BBL surgery. Best wishes! Dr. De La Cruz.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your description you can consider having the BBL performed first.  The donor locations where the fat was harvested could result in further skin laxity.  This could then be addressed with a tummy tuck once you are fully healed from the BBL.  There is no harm having the procedures performed by two different surgeons but I encourage you to speak with both about your planned procedures.

Jonathan Weiler, MD · Answer

I would recommend doing the Tummy Tuck before the BBL if you do not do them at the same time. Having the BBL done first ensures that your surgeon can take optimal fat for the transfer. I recommend an in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to make sure you are a great candidate! Also, you should never feel bad about who you choose to perform your procedures. Its a big decision, and it's your body. Good luck!